Like the previous versions, the 2014 model year of the KX 450F continues to impress us with its first class performances.

The bike is fitted with a plethora of sophisticated technologies featuring the highest degree of rider adjustability and the most progressive electronics package in its class.

The bike’s front wheel is linked to a 48 mm Kayaba Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) that uses compressed air as a spring. The rear wheel is combined with a Kayaba shock absorber that features dual compression adjustability, allowing 22-position high-speed and stepless low-speed damping adjustments to be made independently.

It is propelled by a 449 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single engine with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head that sends its power to the rear wheel through a five speed transmission.

The 2014 Kawasaki KX 450F is offered with a base price of $8699.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Kawasaki KX 450F.

Climb Aboard a Motocross Dynasty

It’s no wonder that Kawasaki’s KX™450F has amassed an enviable championship record in AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross. Having a great rider definitely helps, and Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto’s credentials are impeccable, including double-up titles in AMA Supercross and Motocross titles in 2011, followed by another AMA Supercross title in 2012. And in 2013, Villopoto made it three straight Supercross championships in a row, becoming the first rider to win back-to-back-to-back AMA Supercross titles since the great Ricky Carmichael, another rider whose career blossomed aboard Team Green™ machines.

A common denominator in these performances is the machinery, and the KX450F consistently delivers the most sophisticated technology with the highest degree of rider adjustability and the most progressive electronics package ever seen on a production motocross bike. The pattern for Kawasaki’s success is obvious. The 2014 KX450F features a 48mm Kayaba Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF), which uses pressurized air to eliminate the traditional metal-coil fork springs. The reduced weight and inertia of an air spring offers superior smoothness and enhances the fork’s ability to follow terrain contours. The Pneumatic Spring Fork also significantly reduces friction and cuts weight by an amazing 1.7 lbs. per set! Other benefits of the air spring include better bottoming resistance, quicker, easier and more effective tuning using nothing more than the included Kawasaki Genuine PSF Air Fork Pump, and reduced oil contamination due to the lack of microscopic metal particles caused by fork springs rubbing against the inside of the fork tubes. The super-hard Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes and high-tech Kashima Coat treatment on the inner surface of the outer fork tubes significantly reduce drag compared to a standard fork assembly and help deliver supple, fade-free action.

Out back, a Kayaba rear shock features a beefy 50mm piston and a top-shelf Kashima Coat surface treatment on the inside walls of the shock body. Ample adjustability helps ensure smooth, reliable and consistent action of the rear suspension that not only offers superior performance, but also helps the rider relax and conserve valuable strength on the way to the finish line. Kawasaki offers an optional rear suspension tie rod that is one millimeter longer than stock, which can be used to reduce seat height by four millimeters. The KX450F’s swingarm complements the shock by incorporating a large front casting, combining forces for maximum strength and rigidity.

Enhancing the rider interface in both the ergonomic and engine departments, the KX450F offers a choice of four different handlebar positions, two footpeg positions, and virtually unlimited ignition mapping capabilities with the optional KX FI Calibration Kit. These adjustments make the KX450F uniquely able to adapt to changing track and surface conditions and meet the needs of a wide range of riders.

The Digital Fuel injection (DFI®) system comes standard with three pre-programmed ignition maps which are easily changed without the use of a laptop computer or any other electronic devices. Maps can quickly be changed between three settings – standard, hard (terrain) and soft (terrain) – by swapping the DFI wire coupler cap clipped to the side of the steering head. Easy access to the coupler cap means no additional accessories are needed to alternate between pre-preprogrammed maps – simply connect the appropriate coupler cap to immediately activate an ignition mode to match different track conditions. The ECU is also fully re-programmable and custom maps can be created using the accessory Kawasaki Racing Software Calibration Kit, the same tool used by Kawasaki factory and privateer teams in AMA and FIM racing.

The KX450F’s engine provides proven top-end and overrev performance, but ups the ante with impressive torque from ultra-low revs all the way through the upper mid-range. The intake valve lift, piston crown and ignition tuning provides a smooth powerband with significant “area under the curve,” aka usable power. The KX450F’s works-style bridge-box bottom piston allows for optimum strength and high rev durability.Narrower grips for 2014 help reduce arm-pump and feature a softer material that makes things easier on the rider’s hands. Minimalist bodywork, shrouds and number plates contribute to the slender feel and sleek looks of Kawasaki’s flagship motocross machine. Sparing no attention to detail, the seams between the radiator shrouds, seat and side covers are very flush fitting, which help prevent snags and allow the rider to change position and maneuver more freely on the bike. The compact fuel tank also forms a smooth and nearly straight line with the seat to allow maximum rider movement.

A blue finish on the oil cap and two caps on the generator cover highlight the factory appearance of the KX450F motor, and match the blue anodized finish on the suspension adjusters. An embossed logo on the clutch cover features a trick design and is painted silver to help hide the normal signs of wear.

The 2014 KX450F is available in Kawasaki Lime Green, with black anodized rims, blue highlights and aggressive graphics inspired by the Team Monster Energy Kawasaki factory race bikes.

Racers who ride their KX450F at designated events are eligible to receive support from Team Green™, Kawasaki’s amateur racing support program. For over 30 years, Team Green has been providing regional support vehicles and highly trained technicians at more than 100 yearly events throughout the United States, offering technical information and assistance to those who race Kawasaki products. Kawasaki also offers a comprehensive contingency program for amateur and professional riders who place well at designated events.

ECU programming is easily selectable via interchangeable DFI coupler caps that provide three preprogrammed maps for standard, hard (terrain) and soft (terrain), without the need for a separate programmer or laptop

The engine can be started with only three rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the starter, no battery needed

The system delivers electricity to the bike’s electronics in sequence: first the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick, easy starting

The compact, lightweight ECU, located on the front of the steering head behind the number plate, was designed specifically for motocross use. The fuel pump relay is integrated with the ECU to help cope with the shocks and vibrations of tough racing

Launch Control Mode

Factory-style launch control system is an industry first and increases the ability to get good starts by maximizing available traction

Push-button activation of the Launch Control Mode retards ignition timing in first and second gears, giving the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch

Launch Control can be activated in neutral, first or second gear

Shifting into third gear automatically deactivates Launch Control Mode and returns the ignition to normal mapping

Easy Starting

Strong output from the large ACG rotor provides enough electrical power for the battery-less FI system to enable true one-kick starting without using a battery

Equipped with an automatic compression release (ACR) system for quick and easy starting. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression system is fitted to the exhaust cam

Compression release features 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power

A removable spring pressure adjustment valve and free Kawasaki Genuine PSF Air Fork Pump, are included for quick and easy tuning of fork spring pressure

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes offers minimum stiction when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved fork response, especially during cornering

Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork’s outer tubes contributes to smooth suspension action (especially at the initial part of the stroke)

KX DFI Calibration Kit allows racers to reprogram the ECU’s data maps for volume of fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics to suit rider preference. An ECU setting is available, which can also be used as a data logger, recording up to six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle opening, engine boost, coolant temp, air temp, ignition timing, fuel adjustments, gear position and system voltage

Kawasaki recommends a 0-60 PSI air pump with bleeder valve and no-loss Schrader valve connector, Kawasaki part# K5609-060A for adjusting fork air pressure with maximum accuracy and ease of use